Author: Gbenga Olaleye

The Senate has received an interim report from its ad hoc committee investigating crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, revealing that Nigeria may have lost more than $300 billion in unaccounted crude oil proceeds over the years. The report, presented on Wednesday by the committee’s chairman, Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), attributed the massive losses to entrenched corruption, poor regulatory oversight, and widespread sabotage across the oil sector. The committee, established earlier in 2025, was tasked with probing crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, illicit export operations, and alleged compromises within Nigeria’s petroleum and security agencies — a crisis that…

Former Kano State Governor and ex-Minister of Education, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, has vowed to remain active in politics for the rest of his life, saying his commitment to public service and credible leadership will never wane. Shekarau made the declaration on Wednesday during an interactive session with journalists held as part of activities marking his 70th birthday celebration in Kano. “I will remain within the political arena for life to continue to ensure credible leadership in the country,” he said. “So, the question of leaving politics does not even arise.” The former governor, who served two terms between 2003 and…

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has agreed to consult his legal advisers before opening his defence in the terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government. Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, made the appeal again on Wednesday after Kanu repeatedly maintained that the seven-count charge against him was invalid under Nigerian law. Initially unwilling to proceed, Kanu eventually told the court that he would confer with his legal team, which includes Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara, and Mandela Umegborogu. Following the development, Justice Omotosho granted an adjournment…

Nigeria’s Nobel laureate and literary icon, Professor Wole Soyinka, has said he is not yet ready to publicly assess the administration of President Bola Tinubu, citing the frequent misrepresentation of his comments in the media. Speaking during an interview with BBC News Yoruba published on Facebook on Tuesday, the globally acclaimed playwright and human rights activist explained that he preferred to take his time before making any public statement regarding the Tinubu government. “I have been asked that question by several people,” Soyinka said, speaking in Yoruba. “I don’t want to answer because it seems as if there’s nothing one…

The embattled National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over an alleged violent invasion of the party’s national secretariat by suspended National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. In the petition dated November 3, 2025, Damagum alleged that Anyanwu led a group of armed thugs to the party’s Wadata Plaza headquarters in Abuja in a bid to forcefully install a factional leadership. He claimed the invasion was coordinated with the backing of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and involved several suspended PDP officials, including Abdulrahman…

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has called on party leaders and members to remain united and committed to the task of rebuilding and rescuing Nigeria, beginning from the opposition. Damagum made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during a meeting at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge, where he addressed members of the Board of Trustees and other senior party stakeholders. He said the PDP must demonstrate internal discipline and unity ahead of its planned national convention in Ibadan, which has been the subject of conflicting court rulings. READ ALSO: National Convention: Meet political giants…

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, has arrested 16 illegal immigrants and 22 other suspects allegedly involved in various criminal activities across the state. The Commander of the Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this while parading the suspects at the Amotekun headquarters in Akure on Wednesday. Adeleye said the illegal immigrants, reportedly brought into the state from the Republic of Togo and the Republic of Benin, could not explain their mission in Nigeria. “We have unusual visitors amongst us. They were brought in for sinister motives; upon interrogation, they could not tell us how they came…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the ruling of an Oyo State High Court that approved the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) proposed national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan. Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court granted the ex parte motion on Monday in suit number I/1336/2025, filed by Folahan Adelabi, allowing the PDP to proceed with its convention while restraining any attempt to frustrate or truncate the event. The case was adjourned to November 10 for further hearing. However, the ruling directly contradicts a Federal High Court judgment…

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reacted to the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” and to recent threats of military action by former U.S. President Donald Trump, assuring citizens and the international community that Nigeria is not facing a religious conflict. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja, emphasizing that the government is aware of public anxiety over the development but remains focused on addressing the country’s longstanding security challenges. Idris noted that insecurity in Nigeria—rooted in terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes—has affected both Christians and…

The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, pledging continued cooperation in peacebuilding, human rights, and interfaith dialogue while distancing itself from external political pressures, including recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump. EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, made the clarification on Tuesday in Lagos during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He emphasised that the EU’s engagement with Nigeria is rooted in mutual respect and partnership, not influenced by the positions of other countries. “Our position is one of solidarity with Nigeria – solidarity with victims of violence, with…